DS/L (Younger / Developmental with Strong Foundations)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Relentless and Reliable: Emerging Defensive Specialists to Know from Jax Skyline</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Depth and development matter in the backcourt, and this group of DS and liberos showed why. At the Prep Dig Exposure Tour at Jacksonville Skyline, these younger defensive specialists displayed strong foundational skills, competitive effort, and growing court awareness. Their performances reflected athletes who understand their role and are actively building consistency at a high level.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["782801"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694184f5553df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Julianys showed good discipline in serve receive and defensive positioning, consistently putting herself in playable positions. She handled pace well for her age and stayed composed throughout live reps. Her effort and awareness stood out, pointing to a defender with a strong technical base.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["916394"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694184f555475"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava rounded out the group with consistent effort and disciplined positioning. She showed the ability to keep balls playable and remained composed in serve receive situations. Her reliability and engagement across the session reflected a defender who understands the importance of consistency at her position.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789182"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694184f5554ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ana brought energy and awareness to the backcourt, showing strong effort in defensive coverage. She stayed engaged through longer rallies and adjusted well to varying ball speeds. Her performance highlighted a DS/L with developing confidence and solid foundational skills.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739393"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694184f555553"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Monica demonstrated good movement and anticipation defensively, particularly when reading attackers. She showed a calm approach to serve receive and remained steady across reps. Her composure and work rate reflected a defender continuing to grow into the exposure environment.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914225"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694184f5555c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Abigail competed with confidence and showed solid ball control across defensive sequences. She tracked the ball well and stayed active in extending rallies through effort-based plays. Her consistency and willingness to take responsibility in the backcourt were noticeable throughout the session.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group showed that strong defense starts with fundamentals and commitment. Each athlete demonstrated a willingness to compete, learn, and stay engaged in every rally. While still developing, their performances at Jax Skyline reflected defenders with solid foundations and clear upward trajectories — qualities that coaches value just as much as immediate impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note to GA Athletes:</strong><strong><br></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule</strong> and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following</strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"><strong> </strong><strong>BenchtoBeast</strong></a><strong> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community</em></strong>!<strong><em>&nbsp; ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em></strong><strong>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->